Antiplasmodial, Antipyretic, Haematological and Histological Effects of the Leaf Extracts of Moringa oleifera in Plasmodium berghei berghei Infected Mice

Theaqueous and ethanolic extracts of Moringa oleiferaleaf were evaluated for safety, antimalarial and antipyretic activities because it is commonly used for various types of ailments especially malaria and fever. The various concentration of these extracts (0-800mg/kg) were tested against Plasmodium berghei bergheiinfectedalbino mice of either sex, in a Peters’four day antiplasmodialtest while antipyretic activities were evaluated in malaria-induced mice. Their possible effects on haematological parameters of PCV, WBC, neutrophil, lymphocytes count and liver enzymes were also determined as well as on the liver and kidney architecture. All the tested doses of the aqueous extract were comparable in antiplasmodial activity (p>0.05) to each of the tested doses of the ethanolic extract which were significantly different (p<0.05) from the negative control. Only the highest doses of both extracts gave significantly higher (p<0.05) antiplasmodial activity than the standard drug. For the ethanolic extract,a significant antipyretic activity was not observed until at 800mg/kg in time T3while the aqueous extract exerted no significant antipyretic activity at all doses and at all times. The ethanolic extract gave significantly higher PCV values than that of the aqueous. The administration of the aqueous extract gave significantly lower WBC than the ethanolic extract while comparable increase in lymphocyte count was noticeable at each of the doses of both extracts when compared to the negative control. Only 100mg/kg and 800mg/kg of the aqueous extract maintained a relatively high neutrophils count in this study. Also, the aqueous extract elicited higher concentration of ALT (greater than fourfold of normal) but the ethanolic extract produced the highest level of AST at the highest dose of 800mg/kg when compared to the ethanolic extract. Histological examination of the kidney showed progressive degeneration while that of the liver showed recovery when compared to negative control as a result of progressive increase in dosage of the extracts in malarial treatment.In conclusion, though both aqueous and ethanolic extracts of M. oleiferaleaves exert chemosuppressive antiplasmodial activities in Plasmodium berghei bergheiinfected mice and exhibited antipyretic activity with some improved haematological parameters, caution should be taken in its indiscriminate use because of probable toxic effects on thekidney and the liver.

Mucoepidermoid carcinoma of the submandibular gland in a 6yr old boy

Mucoepidermoid carcinoma [MEC] of the salivary glands are rarely found in childhood we report the case of a 6-year old boy presenting with 2-month history of submandibular swelling. In oral examination, a non-tender, firm mass was detected in the submandibular region involving the left cheek and left angle of the mandible. It was firm in consistency with obvious areas of multiple nodularity along the inferior border of the mass. Clinically there were no palpable lymph nodes. Radiographs revealed a radiolucent lesion in the left body of the mandible. The tumor showed sheets and nests of predominantly epidermoid cells along with occasional large pale mucous-like cells and frosted-glass appearance infiltrating the fibro-connective tissue. The lesion was diagnosed as mucoepidermoid carcinoma, high grade type

Unusual cause of mandibular fracture in a Nigerian girl

Maxillofacial fractures in the pediatric age group are relatively uncommon. Falls, sport-related injuries and road traffic crashes [RTC] constitute the most frequent causes of facial fractures in children. Social, cultural and environment factors vary from one country to another and these factors have been reported to influence the incidence and etiology of mandibular trauma. An unusual cause of mandibular fracture in a Nigerian girl is presented